Vehicular cooling system for forward camera module

ABSTRACT

A vehicular vision system includes a camera module mounted at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. The camera module includes a windshield-interfacing portion that, with the camera module mounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield, interfaces with the in-cabin side of the windshield. A thermally conductive tape is disposed at the windshield-interfacing portion. A thermally conductive connecting element thermally conductively connects to (i) the thermally conductive tape and (ii) at least one component of the camera module. When electrically operated, the at least one component generates heat at an interior portion of the camera module and heat generated by the at least one component of the camera module is dissipated at the windshield of the vehicle via the thermally conductive connecting element and the thermally conductive tape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the filing benefits of U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 63/199,854, filed Jan. 29, 2021, U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 63/199,812, filed Jan. 27, 2021, and U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 63/199,748, filed Jan. 22, 2021, whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle vision system for avehicle and, more particularly, to a vehicle vision system that utilizesa windshield mounted forward viewing camera at a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Use of imaging sensors in vehicle imaging systems is common and known.Examples of such known systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.9,896,039; 9,871,971; 9,596,387 and/or 9,487,159, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Heat is generatedduring operation of the cameras, and heat dissipating fins or the likeare typically used to dissipate heat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A driver assistance system or vision system or imaging system for avehicle utilizes a windshield mounted forward viewing camera modulehaving a camera that captures image data representative of images ofscenes exterior of the vehicle, and provides a cooling system that isintegrated in the camera module to conduct heat from one or more heatgenerating components of the camera module to the windshield of thevehicle to enhance cooling of the camera module during operation of thecamera. The cooling system comprises a thermally conductive tape thatextends around a peripheral lip of a mounting portion or surface of thecamera module, such as a peripheral lip of a light shield of the cameramodule, and that interfaces with or engages or adheres to or thermallyconductively connects to the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield andthat extends to or into the camera module housing to interface with orengage or adhere to or thermally conductively connect to the heatgenerating component of the camera module.

Optionally, the system provides a cooling system that controls a blowerof a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of thevehicle to force cooling air over one or more parts of the camera moduleto enhance cooling of the camera module during operation of the camera.

Optionally, the system includes an electronic control unit (ECU)including a housing that encapsulates a circuit board when the circuitboard is disposed at an interior surface of the housing. The circuitboard includes at least one electronic component. Heat dissipating finsare disposed at least at an outer side of the housing and are in thermalconnection with the circuit board within the housing via a thermalinterface material disposed at the circuit board. An airflow sourceprovides an airflow which draws air and directs airflow along andbetween the heat dissipating fins of the outer side of the housing.Optionally, the airflow source comprises a cooling fan assembly attachedat the outer side of the housing. In those implementations, the coolingfan includes an electrically powerable motor that, when electricallypowered, rotatably drives a plurality of fan blades of the cooling fanassembly to force air along or across the outer side of the housing,such as along and between the heat dissipating fins at the outer side ofthe housing.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of thepresent invention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with a vision system thatincorporates a windshield mounted forward viewing camera module;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera module, with a light shieldhaving a thermally conductive tape disposed thereat;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the camera module, showing thethermally conductive tape and a thermally conductive connecting tapethat connects to one or more heat generating components within thecamera module;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the camera module and light shield havingthe thermally conductive tape disposed thereat;

FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the camera module and light shield ofFIG. 4, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle, showing airflow directed froman HVAC system of the vehicle directed toward the camera module;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the interior cabin of thevehicle, showing the air flow from the vent openings to thewindshield-mounted forward viewing camera module;

FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram of the cooling system;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an ECU with heat dissipating fins at anouter surface of the housing of the ECU;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ECU module of FIG. 9 with exemplaryair flow across a surface of the ECU;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the ECU of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the ECU along line A of FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A vehicular vision system and/or driver assist system and/or objectdetection system and/or alert system operates to capture images exteriorof the vehicle and may process the captured image data to display imagesand to detect objects at or near the vehicle and in the predicted pathof the vehicle, such as to assist a driver of the vehicle in maneuveringthe vehicle in a rearward direction. The vision system includes an imageprocessor or image processing system that is operable to receive imagedata from one or more cameras and provide an output to a display devicefor displaying images representative of the captured image data.Optionally, the vision system may provide display, such as a rearviewdisplay or a top down or bird's eye or surround view display or thelike.

Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depictedtherein, a vision system 10 for a vehicle 12 includes at least oneexterior viewing imaging sensor or camera or camera module 14, such as aforward viewing imaging sensor or camera, which may be disposed at andbehind the windshield 16 of the vehicle 12 and viewing forward throughthe windshield 16 so as to capture image data representative of thescene occurring forward of the vehicle (FIG. 1). Optionally, the system10 may include multiple exterior viewing imaging sensors or cameras,such as a forward viewing camera at the front of the vehicle 12, and asideward/rearward viewing camera at respective sides of the vehicle 12,and a rearward viewing camera at the rear of the vehicle 12, whichcapture images exterior of the vehicle 12. The camera or cameras eachinclude a lens for focusing images at or onto an imaging array orimaging plane or imager of the camera. Optionally, the forward viewingcamera 14 may be disposed at the windshield 16 of the vehicle 12 andview through the windshield 16 and forward of the vehicle 12, such asfor a machine vision system (such as for traffic sign recognition,headlamp control, pedestrian detection, collision avoidance, lane markerdetection and/or the like). The vision system 10 includes a control orelectronic control unit (ECU) 18 that may control a heating, ventilationand air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle, as discussed below.

The ECU 18 includes electronic circuitry and associated software, andthe electronic circuitry may include an image and/or data processor thatis operable to, for example, process image data captured by the cameraor cameras and may detect objects or the like and/or provide displayedimages at a display device for viewing by the driver of the vehicle 12.The data transfer or signal communication from the camera 14 to the ECU18 may comprise any suitable data or communication link, such as avehicle network bus or the like of the equipped vehicle 12. The ECU maybe disposed at a location remote from the camera module or may beincorporated into the camera module.

Heat is generated during operation of the camera 14, such that, withoutenhanced cooling, maximum operating temperatures at the camera 14 and/orassociated electronics may be exceeded. For instance, the imagersemiconductor junction temperature may be required to be below athreshold temperature to ensure necessary image quality. The cameramodule 14 and/or windshield electronics module in which the cameramodule is disposed may utilize aspects of the cameras and modules andsystems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,896,039; 9,871,971; 9,596,387;9,487,159; 8,256,821; 7,480,149; 6,824,281 and/or 6,690,268, and/or U.S.Publication Nos. US-2021-0368082; US-2021-0306538 and/orUS-2020-0039447, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the camera module 14 includes a housing20 (e.g., a metal or metallic housing) comprising an upper housingportion 20 a (e.g., a metal or metallic upper housing portion) and thelower housing portion 20 b (e.g., a metal or metallic lower housingportion), with a camera or imager assembly 22 partially disposed in thehousing 20. The camera 22 comprises an imager circuit board having animager thereat, and further comprises a lens barrel 24 (accommodating alens or lens assembly having optic lens elements optically aligned withthe imager of the imager circuit board) that protrudes through anaperture of the upper housing portion 20 a (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A).The camera module 14 includes a main or principle or primary orprocessor circuit board 26 disposed in the housing 20, with the primarycircuit board 26 comprising a heat generating component 28, such as anintegrated circuit (IC) or image processor that processes image datacaptured by the camera. The imager circuit board 40 may be electricallyconnected to the main circuit board 26 via a flexible connector 42, suchas a flexible ribbon cable or the like, whereby image data captured bythe camera is provided to the primary or main circuit board 26 via theflexible connector 42.

Because of the amount of heat typically generated by the circuitry ofthe circuit boards during operation of the camera module (andparticularly the heat generated by the image processor of the primarycircuit board 26 during operation of the camera module 14), the camerahousing 20 may include heat dissipating fins that are present at anouter-side location at the outer side of the upper housing portion 20 aand may also or otherwise be present at an outer-side location of thelower housing portion 20 b, such as at a location that coincides with oris juxtaposed with an inner-side location of a thermal element (such asa thermally conductive paste or grease or the like) that thermallyconductively connects the image processor with the inner side of thehousing portion. Thus, the image processor is in thermally conductiveconnection with the housing 20, such as at an inner location of thehousing opposite where the heat dissipating fins are located, via thethermal element and a wall thickness (of the lower wall or structure) ofthe lower housing portion 20 b at the location where the thermal elementis disposed.

The camera module 14 may be mounted or attached at a bracket 36 that isadhesively attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield 16,and a cover element 38 (such as for the windshield electronics module)may also be attached at the bracket 36 or attached at a frame or otherbracket that is adhesively attached at the in-cabin side of the vehiclewindshield 16. The cover element 38, camera module 14 and bracket 36 orbrackets comprise a windshield electronics module that houses the cameramodule 14 and that may also house one or more other electronicaccessories (e.g., a rain sensor and/or the like) at the in-cabin sideof the vehicle windshield 16. Thus, the camera module 14 comprises aforward viewing camera module or front camera module (FCM), such asdisposed at the windshield 16, and optionally at a windshieldelectronics module (WEM) or the like. The forward viewing camera modulemay utilize aspects of the systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos.9,896,039; 9,871,971; 9,596,387; 9,487,159; 8,256,821; 7,480,149;6,824,281 and/or 6,690,268, which are all hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera module 14 is mounted at the interiorportion of the vehicle, such as at the in-cabin side of the windshield16 or a headliner of the vehicle adjacent or near the upper perimeteredge region of the windshield 16. Thus, the camera module includes amounting surface or interface at an interior surface or in-cabin side ofthe windshield of the vehicle. The mounting surface may comprise, forexample, a portion of the housing 20 or a portion of the bracket 36. Thecamera module 14 is at least partially mounted at or attached to orinterfacing with the in-cabin side of the windshield 16 via thermallyconductive adhesive tape 32 disposed at or adhered to the mountingsurface and that is in thermal connectivity with the camera module 14and with the windshield 16. For example, the camera module 14 includes alight trap or light shield 30 that blocks or redirects or attenuatesglare light in front of the lens of the camera 22. The light trap 30 maybe attached to the camera module 14 or attached to the bracket 36 at thewindshield 16 or may be adhesively attached at the in-cabin side of thewindshield 16. The light trap 30 includes the thermally conductiveadhesive tape 32 disposed about its perimeter at an interface surfacethat is pressed into engagement with the in-cabin side of the windshield16 when the camera module 14 is disposed at the in-cabin side of thewindshield 16. The thermally conductive tape 32 may comprise, forexample, a double-sided adhesive tape, such as a graphite strip or sheetor graphene material that adheres to the light trap 30 and to thewindshield 16.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the thermally conductive tape 32 may beconnected directly to the one or more heat generating components 28 ofthe camera 22 (such as to processors or integrated circuits (ICs)disposed on the printed circuit board of the camera) via a thermallyconductive connecting tape or ribbon 34 that is routed from a connectingregion of the thermally conductive tape 32 at the light trap 30 to thecamera housing 20 and optionally into the camera housing 20 to thermallyconductively connect to the heat generating component or components 28within the camera housing 20. For example, the connecting tape 34 maythermally conductively connect to the main circuit board 26 and to theimager circuit board 40 of the camera 22. The connecting tape 34 mayconnect to an outer surface of the camera housing 20 at a location thatcorresponds to where a thermally conductive paste or element is disposedat an inner surface of the camera housing 20, where the thermallyconductive paste or element may be in thermally conductive contact witha heat generating component 28 (e.g., an image processor or the like)within the camera housing 20. Optionally, the connecting tape 34 maypass through the housing wall (such as at an interface where the upperand lower housing portions are mated together) and into the housingcavity for more direct thermally conductive connection to the heatgenerating component 28.

The thermally conductive connecting tape 34 may thermally conductivelyconnect to multiple heat generating components 28, such as viaconnecting or adhering to multiple locations along the outer surface ofthe camera housing 20 (with each location coinciding with a location ofa heat generating component 28 within the camera housing 20) or such asadhering along a larger region of the camera housing 20 (that spans orencompasses areas that coincide with separate heat generatingcomponents). Optionally, the camera housing end of the thermallyconductive connecting tape 34 may comprise a sheet that encompasses orcovers a larger area of the camera housing 20 (and that may be formed tocover heat dissipating fins of the camera housing) to enhance conductionof heat from the camera housing 20 to the windshield 16. In other words,the thermally conductive connecting tape 34 may have a connectingportion at the camera housing 20 or at the heat generating component 28with a first width dimension, and the connecting tape may have a secondwidth dimension along a portion of the connecting tape 34 routing fromthe adhesive tape 32 at the light trap 30 to the connecting portion thatis less than the first width. Thus, the thermally conductive connectingtape 34 may cover a greater area of the camera housing 20 at portions ofthe camera housing corresponding to heat generating components 28.Optionally, the larger sheet portion of the thermally conductiveconnecting tape may be disposed at and over the inner surface of thecamera module, whereby one or more thermally conductive elements (e.g.,thermally conductive paste or grease or tape) may be disposed betweenand in contact with the sheet portion and the respective heat generatingcomponent(s). Optionally, the thermally conductive connecting tape 34may be positioned at the windshield electronics module to dissipate heatfrom the camera 22 and from additional heat generating electroniccomponents at the windshield electronics module, such as printed circuitboards or processors or sensors (e.g., rain or glare light sensors).

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermally conductive connecting tape34 routing from the windshield 16 to the one or more heat generatingcomponents 28 comprises a single flat ribbon bent or shaped todiscretely contact a plurality of individual heat generating components,each at a position along the flat ribbon. Optionally, the thermallyconductive connecting tape 34 may comprise a plurality of individualribbons or tapes, each individual ribbon routing from the adhesive tape32 at the light trap 30 to a corresponding heat generating component 28.Optionally, the thermally conductive connecting tape 34 may attach at ornear a common or central or universal heat sink of the windshieldelectronics module dissipating heat from a plurality of heat generatingcomponents to draw heat away from the windshield electronics module at auniversal or central position.

As shown, the thermally conductive connecting tape 34 routes from theheat generating component 28 of the camera module 14 to a thermallyconductive adhesive tape 32 surrounding the light trap 30 and at leastpartially securing the light trap 30 at the windshield 16. The thermallyconductive tapes 32, 34 dissipate heat away from the camera module 14.For example, the camera module may be mounted directly at the in-cabinside of the windshield 16 and the thermally conductive connecting tape34 may route to thermally conductive adhesive tape 32 affixing thecamera module 14 to the windshield (i.e., at a location that is not alight trap). Optionally, the thermally conductive adhesive tape 32 mayattach at the in-cabin side of the windshield 16 remote from the cameramodule 14, such as along an upper perimeter edge region of thewindshield 16 (e.g., at a location corresponding to a tinted or at leastpartially opaque strip along the upper perimeter edge).

Dissipating heat to the windshield 16 of the vehicle via the thermallyconductive connecting tape 34 and thermally conductive adhesive tape 32provides a heat dissipating solution that is enhanced during operationof the vehicle. As the vehicle travels, airflow at the windshield 16cools the windshield 16 and thus allows for continuous heat dissipationat the windshield 16. Additionally, heat generated by the camera moduleand dissipated to the windshield 16 may reduce or eliminate ice, frost,and condensation at the windshield and particularly at the portion ofthe windshield through which the forward viewing camera 22 views. Thus,heat dissipation at the windshield 16 may reduce or eliminate the needfor heating elements at the windshield 16. Heat dissipated at the cameramodule may be further routed along the windshield (such as at theperimeter region of the windshield) to provide additional heatdissipation to the camera module 14 and additional frost, ice andcondensation reduction at the windshield 16.

Thus, the camera module uses a thermally conductive sheet/tape (e.g., agraphite sheet) that conducts or dissipates heat out from the cameramodule. The thermally conductive sheet may be directly connected to heatsources, such as processors, chips, ICs or the like, and to the in-cabinside of the windshield, which helps to dissipate heat generated by theheat source instantaneously and continuously rather than relying on fansor HVAC or other means of heat dissipation. The camera module thusconducts heat out of the system via the windshield to the outsideambient environment. During driving conditions additional wind and airflow at the outer side of the windshield will help cool the windshieldto conduct heat out of the camera module at a faster rate. During frostconditions, the heat generated by the camera module can be used to helpquickly melt ice at the windshield in front of the camera to keep thefield of view of the camera clear of any ice/frost, which couldotherwise impact camera availability. The camera module may eliminateuse of fans to cool the module, and may eliminate use of separate heaterelements to heat the windshield during frost conditions, which willeventually help reduce costs. Optionally, the camera module and/orwindshield electronics module may also include a cooling fan to furtherenhance cooling of the camera module during operation.

The thermally conductive tape and/or the thermally conductive connectingelement may comprise a two-sided adhesive tape comprising thermallyconductive material, such as graphite or graphene material. For example,the thermally conductive tape and/or the thermally conductive connectingelement may have a high coefficient for thermal conduction (i.e., amaterial that conducts a greater quantity of heat per unit time througha unit cube of the material when its opposite faces are kept at atemperature difference of one degree), such as, for example, greaterthan 80 W/m·K, or greater than 100 W/m·K, or greater than 150 W/m·K),and may comprise a combination of fiberglass that fills conductiveceramic powder for higher efficiency and flexibility of thermalconduction, or may comprise a silicone and filler combination that isalso compressible to compress and seal between the windshield and thewindshield interfacing portion of the camera module.

Optionally, the camera module may be mounted at any suitable surface ofthe vehicle and dissipate heat via the thermally conductive tape to themounting surface. For example, the camera module may be a rearwardviewing camera (such as a rearward viewing CHMSL-mounted camera) mountedat the rear of the vehicle and viewing through the rear window. Thus,the thermally conductive adhesive tape may, with the camera mounted atthe rear window, attach at the rear window and, via the thermallyconductive connecting tape, dissipate heat from the rear camera to therear window. Optionally, the camera module may be a driver or occupantmonitoring camera mounted at the interior cabin of the vehicle andviewing the interior cabin of the vehicle (such as a head region of thedriver of the vehicle), the heat from the camera dissipated to themounting surface, such as the windshield or headliner of the vehicle.

Thus, the system provides a camera module including a housing and a heatgenerating component, such as an image processor. The camera modulemounts at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle, such as at the in-cabinside of the windshield, and may view through the windshield of thevehicle. The camera module may at least partially attach at the in-cabinsurface of the vehicle via thermally conductive adhesive tape and thethermally conductive adhesive tape is in thermal connectivity withthermally conductive connecting tape. The thermally conductiveconnecting tape is in thermal connectivity with the heat generatingcomponent of the camera module and dissipates heat from the cameramodule to the mounting surface via the thermally conductive adhesivetape. Thus, the system may provide improved heat dissipation from thecamera module and a defrosting or defogging feature at the mountingsurface.

Optionally, and as described below, the system may direct airflowtowards or over or on to the ECU or camera module or electronics moduleto cool the ECU or camera module or windshield electronics module. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5, a system 100 controls a blower motor of aheating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle12 to force cooling air over one or more parts of the camera module toenhance cooling of the camera module during operation of the camera. Thecontroller 18 controls the HVAC blower motor (and optionally sets theHVAC to a windshield defogging mode) that operates to force air over andaround the camera module's body or housing to enhance cooling of thecamera during operation. The system 100 may operate in conjunction withthe system 10 described above (such that the system 100 may comprise aportion of the system 10) or the system 100 may operate as a standalonedriver assistance system or vision system or imaging system for thevehicle 12.

Vision systems features and functions are increasing significantly toprovide additional functionality to consumers and also to meetinternational standards and regulations. More features and functionmeans high processing speed and more power consumption. The higher thepower consumption, the higher the heat generation from the system. Tohelp the system work more efficiently, without degrading performance anddurability, heat transfer should be well designed to take away heat fromthe system by conduction, convection and/or radiation.

The system 100 utilizes forced air convection (as provided by the HVACsystem of the vehicle) to remove heat from the camera module 14. Thecamera module 14 (or windshield electronics module) includes a thermalsensor or temperature sensor 44 that senses the temperature at or in thecamera module 14. An output of the temperature sensor 44 is received atthe ECU 18. When the thermal sensor 44 detects a high temperature in thecamera 14 (greater than a threshold temperature), the ECU 18, responsiveto the signal or output received at the central ECU 18 from thetemperature sensor 44, communicates a control signal to an HVAC ECU 48triggering the HVAC ECU 48 to activate a windshield blowing function(optionally including turning on the air conditioning (A/C) 50 of thevehicle 12) and to open vent flaps 56 at the dashboard by the windshieldto force and direct air upwards along the in-cabin side of thewindshield 16 towards the camera module.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a vent opening 56 on the vehicle dashboard orinstrument panel may be specifically designed or designated for blowingand directing air towards the camera module 14 (i.e., the vent openingmay be separate and distinct from the vents for a windshield defoggingfunction of the HVAC system). The vent flaps may be opened and closed bythe system, such as via signal from the ECU 18, responsive to the cameratemperature, and may, when the camera temperature reaches a thresholdtemperature, be opened to direct air towards the camera 14 and not intothe entire cabin. When the camera temperature is within a normaloperating temperature range, the vent 56 remains closed, irrespective ofthe HVAC setting selected by the occupant of the vehicle. The ventopenings 56 for the front camera module 14 thus direct air towards themodule when the camera module temperature goes beyond its normaloperating design limits.

Thus, and as shown in FIG. 8, the ECU 18 receives inputs from the frontcamera module thermal sensor 44 and a vehicle ambient temperature sensor46. Responsive to these inputs, the ECU 18 generates a control signal tothe vehicle's HVAC control module 48. When the inputs indicate that thetemperature of the camera module 14 is greater than a threshold level,the ECU 18 indicates this to the HVAC control module 48 turns on thevehicle's A/C 50 and opens the dash vent flaps at the vent 56 (see 52 inFIG. 8) to cool the front camera module (see 54 in FIG. 8). The ventopenings are separate from vents that operate to defrost the windshield,and open responsive to the temperature at the camera module and notresponsive to a user input.

The system 100 thus may open the vent openings 56 and activate the A/C50 and control the blower temperature to force cold air through theopened vent openings 56 responsive to the temperature of the camera 14being greater than an upper threshold temperature (such as greater than,for example, 40 degrees C., or greater than 50 degrees C., or greaterthan 60 degrees C. or thereabouts). Optionally, the system 100 may alsoopen the vent openings 56 and control the blower temperature to forcewarm air (by controlling the temperature of the air discharged throughthe vent via adjusting a temperature setting of the HVAC system) throughthe opened vent openings 56 responsive to the temperature of the camera14 (when the vehicle is being operated) being less than a lowerthreshold temperature (such as less than, for example, 10 degrees C., orless than 0 degrees C., or less than −10 degrees C., or less than −20degrees C. or thereabouts).

Optionally, the system 100 may control the HVAC system or control module48 at least in part responsive to the ambient temperature at the vehicle(such as the ambient temperature within the cabin of the vehicle orexterior of the vehicle). For example, the system 100 may control theHVAC system to provide cooler (air conditioned) air in situations wherethe camera module temperature sensor 44 does not indicate an operatingtemperature greater than the upper threshold level, but the exteriorambient temperature sensor 46 indicates that the ambient temperature ishigh (greater than a threshold temperature, such as greater than, forexample, 40 degrees C., or greater than 50 degrees C., or greater than60 degrees C. or thereabouts), such that the system 100 starts thecooling process before (and in anticipation of) the camera operatingtemperature approaching, reaching and/or exceeding the upper operatingtemperature threshold. The system 100 may also or otherwise be operableresponsive to a light sensor that senses ambient light at the windshieldof the vehicle, so that the system 100 can determine when the lightingconditions are indicative of a sunny day and can start the coolingprocess before (and in anticipation of) the camera operating temperatureapproaching, reaching, and/or exceeding the upper operating temperaturethreshold.

Optionally, the system may determine or adjust or vary the upper and/orlower operating temperature thresholds. The system may determine theoperating temperature thresholds based on a condition of the camera. Forexample, certain functions or operations of the camera may be moreoperationally intensive than other operations and those operations maygenerate heat at the camera faster than other operations. In response todetermining that the function of the camera is rapidly generating heat(or that the camera module or processor is operating in a mode that isknown to generate more heat than other operations), the system may lowerthe upper operating temperature threshold so as to activate the coolingsystem earlier. Optionally, the system may determine the operatingtemperature thresholds based on a condition of the vehicle. For example,the system may receive a signal indicating that the vehicle is low onfuel and, responsive to receiving the signal that the vehicle is low onfuel, the system may raise the upper operating temperature threshold soas to activate the cooling system only at higher temperatures to reducethe load on the HVAC system, thus conserving fuel.

The vent 56 may comprise a dedicated vent for directing air towards thewindshield mounted camera 14. In other words, the dedicated vent may beseparate and distinct from the windshield defogging vent (e.g., atdifferent positions along the dashboard of the vehicle) and the HVACsystem may be configured to independently direct air through theseparate and discernible vents when providing a windshield defoggingfunction and when directing air at the camera module 14. The vent may bedisposed at any suitable position within the interior portion of thevehicle. For example, the vent may be disposed along the dashboard todirect air along the in-cabin side of the windshield 16 toward thecamera module 14. Optionally, the vent may be disposed at an A-pillar 17of the vehicle (such as at an upper portion of the A-pillar) andconfigured to direct air along the in-cabin side of the windshield 16toward the camera module 14. Optionally, the vent may be disposed at aheadliner of the vehicle and configured to direct air along a portion ofthe headliner of the vehicle toward the camera module 14.

Optionally, the system 100 may control the HVAC system of the vehicle todirect air toward the camera module 14 through the windshield defoggingvent at the dashboard of the vehicle. For example, responsive todetermining that the temperature at the camera module 14 is outside theoperating temperature range (i.e., below the lower operating temperaturethreshold or above the upper operating temperature threshold), thesystem may direct air through the windshield defogging vent with thewindshield defogging vent directing air along the in-cabin side of thewindshield 16. Optionally, the windshield defogging vent may beconfigured to direct air at the windshield at a first angle (such as atthe base of the windshield) when providing the windshield defoggingfeature and at a second angle (such as towards an upper region of thewindshield) when directing air towards the camera module 14. Thus, thesystem may adjust the windshield defogging vent to direct air towardsthe windshield mounted camera module 14.

Optionally, the vent 56 directing air towards the camera module 14 maycomprise only a portion of the windshield defogging vent. For example,the camera module 14 may be disposed at a central region of thewindshield 16, the windshield defogging vents may be disposed along thedashboard across at least a portion of the width of the windshield andthe vent 56 may comprise a portion of the windshield defogging ventscorresponding to the central position of the camera module 14 at thewindshield 16. Thus, the system 100 may direct air from the windshielddefogging vents across the width of the windshield 16 when defogging thewindshield 16 and the system may only direct air from the portion of thewindshield defogging vents corresponding to the position of the cameramodule 14 when providing a temperature control function of the cameramodule 14. For example, the windshield defogging vents may have flaps orother closures at positions across the width of the windshield that areseparately openable and closeable for controlling the direction of airout of the vents. Optionally, when providing a windshield defoggingfeature, the HVAC system may reduce or redirect the hot air directed atthe windshield at the position corresponding to the camera module 14 toprevent overheating of the camera module during the windshielddefogging.

Because of the amount of heat typically generated by the circuitry ofthe camera's circuit boards during operation of the camera 14 (andparticularly the heat generated by the image processor of the primarycircuit board during operation of the camera), when the electricallypowered motor of the cooling system is electrically powered, the fan orblower and vent 56 direct airflow onto and along the windshield 16 andtoward and to and over heat dissipating fins of the camera housing, suchas at an exterior side of the lower housing portion. The heatdissipating fins of the camera 14 are at least in part present at anouter-side location at the outer side of the lower housing portion ofthe camera 14 that coincides with or is juxtaposed with the inner-sidelocation of a thermal element (such as a thermally conductive paste orgrease or the like) that thermally conductively connects the imageprocessor with the inner side of the lower housing portion. Thus, theimage processor is in thermally conductive connection with the heatdissipating fins via the thermal element and a wall thickness (of thelower wall or structure) of the lower housing portion at the locationwhere the thermal element is disposed.

The camera module 14 is disposed at and behind the windshield 16 of avehicle 12 so as to view through the windshield 16 and forward of thevehicle 12. The camera module 14 may be disposed in a housing orwindshield electronics module having a cover element or beauty coverthat houses the camera module (and optionally other accessories) andconceals the camera module from view by a person within the vehicle. Thecover of the windshield electronics module has an interior cavity (inwhich the camera module is disposed), where the air may be heated duringoperation of the camera and/or due to higher environment temperatures.The module comprises an air entry duct that at a lower end to receiveforced air from the blower fan and vent 56 at the dashboard and an exitair duct (such as at an upper end) to allow for venting of the air andto enhance air flow through the module to enhance cooling of the cameramodule.

Optionally, the lower housing portion or cover may be constructed withdiverting fins or structure that diverts a desired amount or portion ofthe output air flow into and along and between the respective heatdissipating fins. For example, the diverting construction may becentrally located at a housing or cover of the windshield electronicsmodule (that may house or cover the forward camera module 14) to divertparts of the output air flow to different sets of heat dissipating finsat the camera housing, or the diverting construction may be more towardssome of the heat dissipating fins so as to divert more of the output airflow into and along, for example, lower heat dissipating fins, so as toprovide enhanced cooling of heat generated by the imager processorduring operation of the camera module. The housing or cover may includevent openings to optimize airflow from the HVAC blower or fan as well asto support natural convection around the camera module.

The camera module 14 may be mounted or attached at a bracket that isadhesively attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield 16,and the cover element may also be attached at the bracket or attached ata frame or other bracket that is adhesively attached at the in-cabinside of the vehicle windshield 16. The cover element, camera module 14and bracket or brackets comprise a windshield electronics module thathouses the camera module and that may also house one or more otherelectronic accessories (e.g., a rain sensor and/or the like) at thein-cabin side of the vehicle windshield 16.

The fan or blower motor may comprise a variable speed fan motor that iscontrolled, e.g., by the control or controller or electronic controlunit (ECU) or processor or the like, with a PWM line. The controllerincludes control circuitry and associated software. The PWM duty cyclemay be software (SW) controlled, based on one or more inputs, such as,for example, an input based on an output of a vehicle ambienttemperature sensor (that provides a temperature at or near or indicativeof the temperature at the camera module), an input based on an output ofa vehicle ambient light sensor (to detect sunload and thus to provide anoutput that is indicative of temperature at the windshield and cameramodule), and an input based on an output of one or more internaltemperature sensors at more critical components.

Optionally, other cooling elements or devices may also or otherwise beimplemented to cool the camera module 14 during operation. For example,a Peltier element may be disposed at some components to increase thermaldissipation. Optionally, the camera module 14 may include integratedliquid cooling to enhance heat dissipation away from the camera module14. Optionally, a channel or duct may guide and direct airflow from theseparate cooling fan assembly to the camera module.

Optionally, the ECU of the system 10 and/or of the system 100 maycomprise one or more heat dissipating features for reducing thetemperature during operation at the ECU. For example, and as discussedbelow, the ECU may include a housing having heat dissipating finsdisposed at the outer surface of the housing and in thermally conductiveconnectivity with heat generating electrical components housed withinthe housing of the ECU. Airflow across and between the heat dissipatingfins may enhance heat dissipation.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or vision systems include asignificantly increasing number of features and functions to bothprovide additional functionality to consumers and also to meetgovernmental standards and regulations. Additionally, a trend has beenobserved in the automotive industry to provide a common or singular orcentral ECU to process data from various sensors in the vehicle (e.g.exterior viewing camera modules, radar sensors, driver/cabin monitoringcameras, surround view system cameras, cameras for camera monitoringsystems (CMS), etc.) to provide the additional functionality. Anincreased number of features and functions results in a higher demandfor processing speed and increased power consumption by ECUs and ADASmodules.

Generally, an ECU with increased processing and higher power consumptionwill result in higher heat generation. For example, heat is generatedduring operation of an ECU (e.g., an ECU for an ADAS system), such that,without enhanced cooling, maximum operating temperatures at the ECUand/or associated electronics may be exceeded because, for instance, theimager semiconductor junction temperature has to be below a thresholdtemperature to ensure necessary processing capabilities. The systemincludes an ECU module for improved, quicker, and more efficient heatdissipation to account for the greater heat generation resulting fromthe increased processing and power consumption of ADAS systems and thelike. The ECU may be formed primarily from cost-efficient andlight-weight materials such as electrically conductive or thermallyconductive plastic or other composite materials.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an ECU housing 118 is depicted with a coolingfan assembly 120 and heat dissipating fins 122 disposed at and/or inand/or on an outer surface 118 a of the housing 118. As will bediscussed further below, a circuit board 124 and thermal interfacematerial 126 (such as a thermally conductive paste or grease or pad orthe like) are disposed within an interior of the housing 118 and heat isgenerated within the interior of the housing 118 during operation of theECU. The heat dissipating fins 122 are disposed in or extend through thematerial of the housing 118 so that a first portion or end of the fins122 pass through the housing 118 and contact the thermal interfacematerial 126 and a second portion or end of the fins 122 opposite thefirst end extend away from the outer surface 118 a of the housing 118.The cooling fan 120 is disposed at the outer surface 118 a of thehousing 118 and configured to, when electrically operated, to create anairflow (FIG. 10) across or along the outer surface 118 a of the housing118 and between the heat dissipating fins 122. In the illustratedembodiment, the housing 118 has both a top element or portion 118 b anda bottom element or portion 118 c that may be seam welded together alongan outer circumference or edge of the housing 118 such as to provide awaterproof or water resistant construction that is impervious to waterintrusion into the housing 118. The housing 118 may comprise anysuitable size and/or shape for the electronics contained inside and/orapplication or placement with its intended system. The housing 118 maycomprise electrically conductive plastic or thermally conductive plasticor any other suitable material or composite material.

When the ECU is electrically operated, such as to process image datacaptured by a camera of the vision system or driving assistance system,the electric circuitry within the interior of the housing 118 generatesheat. Heat generated at the interior of the housing 118 may bedissipated exterior the housing 118 via the heat dissipating fins 122.Airflow across the heat dissipating fins 122 helps rapidly cool andfurther remove heat from the circuit board 124 housed within the ECUhousing 118. The airflow may be generated by any suitable external airsource such as the cooling fan 120 or from a cooling fan assemblyattached at the outer side of the housing. Although the illustratedembodiment includes an ECU with the cooling fan assembly 120 disposed atthe outer surface 118 a of the housing 118 for forced heat convectionaway from the ECU, it should be understood that a fan or airflow sourcemay be disposed remote from the housing. For example, multiple ECUmodules may share a universal cooling fan or airflow source to reducethe power consumption needed to cool multiple ECUs. Conversely, multiplecooling fans may be disposed at or near or on a single ECU housing toprovide increased airflow and increased cooling power. Optionally, theactive airflow may be generated by an external airflow source remotefrom the camera module 14 and directed toward the camera module 14 andECU housing 118, such as the HVAC system of the vehicle, as discussedabove.

The airflow source may be operated continuously during operation of theECU. Optionally, the airflow source may be operated based on acondition. For example, a temperature sensor may be disposed at or nearthe ECU to determine a temperature of the ECU and the airflow source maybe operated when the temperature at the ECU is above a thresholdtemperature. Optionally, a temperature sensor may be disposed at alocation of the vehicle remote from the ECU, such as an ambienttemperature sensor configured to sense an ambient temperature exterioror interior the vehicle, and the airflow source may be operated when theambient temperature is above a threshold ambient temperature. Theairflow source may be operated responsive to determinations of otherconditions, such as responsive to an indication from an ambient lightsensor or responsive to the ECU performing a given function thatrequires higher than normal processing power of the ECU. Optionally, theairflow source may vary the airflow provided to the ECU (i.e., providestronger or weaker airflow) based on the condition, such as increasingthe airflow when the temperature at the ECU is greater and reducing orceasing airflow when the temperature at the ECU is lower.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling fan assembly 120 includes anair intake opening 120 a through which air is drawn when the motor ofthe cooling fan assembly 120 is electrically powered, and directsairflow through an air discharge or outlet opening 120 b and between andalong heat dissipating fins 122 at the housing 118 that are at or nearor thermally conductively connected to the circuit board 124. Thecooling fan assembly 120 may comprise a low profile cooling fan assemblythat does not protrude beyond the height of the heat dissipating fins122 at the outer side 118 a of the housing. The cooling fan assembly 120may comprise a self-contained unit or module that includes the motor,fan blades and housing and exit openings, whereby the cooling fanassembly 120 is mounted at the housing 118 as a unit. The size and shapeof the cooling fan assembly 120 may be selected based at least in parton the size and shape of the ECU housing 118 and the location andconfiguration of the heat dissipating fins 122.

The cooling fan assembly 120 may utilize aspects of the fan assembliesdescribed in International Publication No. WO 2020/159914 and/or in U.S.Publication No. US-2021-0306538, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. For example, the fan assembly 120 maycomprise a low profile fan assembly having a thickness that may be lessthan 12 mm, or may be less than 7.5 mm, or may be less than 5 mm. Theair flow generated or output by the fan assembly 120 may be at a flowrate of at least 0.7 cubic feet per minute (CFM). The cooling fanassembly 120 may comprise a DC brushless motor with a 5V operatingvoltage, and may be pulse-width modulation (PWM) controlled. The coolingfan assembly 120 may have a starting voltage of around 4 VDC and mayhave an operating current of 183 mA and a rated power consumption of0.92 Watts. The cooling fan assembly 120, when the motor is electricallypowered, may generate up to around 1.18 CFM airflow (or more) whenoperating in the range of around 6,300 RPM to around 11,700 RPM (9000RPM+/−30 percent). The operating temperature range may be around 0degrees C. to around 85 degrees C., with a storage temperature range ofaround −40 degrees C. to around 90 degrees C. In a situation where thefan is locked by an external force while being electrically powered, anincrease in coil temperature of the motor is prevented by temporarilyturning off the electrical power to the fan motor. The fan mayautomatically restart when the locked rotor condition is released.

The cooling fan motor may comprise a variable speed fan motor that iscontrolled, e.g., by the control or controller or electronic controlunit (ECU) or processor or the like, with a PWM line. The controllerincludes control circuitry and associated software. The PWM duty cyclemay be software (SW) controlled, based on one or more inputs, such as,for example, an input based on an output of a vehicle ambienttemperature sensor (that provides a temperature at or near or indicativeof the temperature at the ECU), an input based on an output of a vehicleambient light sensor (to detect sunload and thus to provide an outputthat is indicative of temperature at the windshield and ECU), and aninput based on an output of one or more internal temperature sensors atmore critical components. The fan may operate only with the necessaryload and speed, in order to improve lifetime requirements based ontargeted device under test (DUT) thermal mission profile. Thus, thedesign and configuration of the cooling fan assembly 120 can be adaptedto provide desired flow rates at and along and between the respectiveheat dissipating fins 122.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the opening of the cooling fan assembly 120provides the airflow an entrance to the heat dissipating fins 122, suchthat the air that is radially exiting the fan at the outlet opening 120b flows into and along and between the heat dissipating fins 122, whichmay comprise an suitable configuration. For example, the heatdissipating fins may comprise a first grouping of heat dissipating fins122 a in an arrangement at a first region of the housing 118 (such asadjacent the outlet opening 120 b), and a second grouping of heatdissipating fins 122 b in an arrangement at a second region of thehousing 118 (such as distanced from the outlet opening 120 b). In theillustrated embodiment, the first grouping of heat dissipating fins 122a are generally the same length, parallel to one another (as shown inFIG. 11), and terminate a distance away from a second grouping of heatdissipating fins 122 b which are individually longer than the fins ofthe first grouping, angled relative to one another and the firstgrouping, and are arranged in an arc relative to the first grouping. Thefirst grouping of fins 122 a are also closer together than the secondgrouping of fins 122 b. However, the fins may be different lengths,shapes, and orientations depending on the needs of the given system.

The cooling fan assembly 120 directs air through the outlet opening 120b in a direction generally parallel to the first grouping of heatdissipating fins 122 a, such that the air moves along channels betweenadjacent fins to enhance cooling of the fins and thus of the ECU. Theair moves along the channels between the first grouping of heatdissipating fins 122 a toward and through and among the second groupingof fins 122 b. Thus, the cooling fan 120 provides enhanced cooling ofthe heat dissipating fins 122 of the ECU module to enhance thedissipation of heat generated by the electrical components of thecircuit board 124 during operation of the system 10.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the printed circuit board 124 (PCB) isdisposed at an interior surface of the housing 118 and includes at leastone electronic component 124 a, such as a plurality of electroniccomponents 124 a. The circuit board 124 includes a first side and asecond side opposite the first side and separated by a thickness of thecircuit board. The electronic components 124 a are disposed on the firstside of the circuit board 124 facing the heat dissipating fins 122. Theelectronic components 124 a may include processors (configured toprocess image or sensor data), integrated circuits (ICs), resistors, orother electronic components or circuitry that generate heat when the ECUis operated. For example, the circuit board may comprise an imageprocessor that processes image data captured by a camera of an ADAS.

When the one or more electronic components 124 a generate heat at theinterior of the housing 118, the heat is dissipated exterior the housing118 via the heat dissipating fins 122. The electronic components 124 aare in thermally conductive connection with the heat dissipating fins122, such as via direct engagement of the components 124 a to the fins122, via engagement of the components 124 a at the surface of thehousing 118, or via the thermal interface material 126 disposed betweenthe components 124 a and the fins 122. Optionally, the circuit board 124may comprise electronic components on the first side of the circuitboard facing the upper portion 118 b of the housing and electroniccomponents on the second side of the circuit board facing the lowerportion 118 c of the housing with heat dissipating fins disposed at theupper portion 118 b and the lower portion 118 c of the housing fordissipating heat exterior the ECU housing.

As shown in FIG. 12, the thermal interface material 126 thermallyconnects the electronic components 124 a with the heat dissipating fins122 disposed at the outer surface of the housing. The thermal interfacematerial 126 may comprise a thermal paste, thermal pad, thermal grease,or any other suitable thermally conductive material. As the electroniccomponents give off heat during operation, the heat travels (via thermalconduction) through the thermal interface material 126 to the heatdissipating fins 122. The thermal interface material 126 may bepositioned or targeted or concentrated at and/or around components 124 aof the circuit board that generate heat so as to further facilitate andimprove heat dissipation. Thus, the thermal element 126 or paste orgrease may interface or thermally conductively connect the circuit board124 (and/or an electrical components 124 a at the circuit board) withthe inner or upper surface of the housing 118 and thus with the heatdissipating fins 122 a, 122 b at the exterior or outer surface 118 a ofthe housing to enhance heat transfer from the ECU. Furthermore, thethermal element may comprise a plurality of thermal elements 126thermally conductively connecting components 124 a to the fins 122 a,122 b to enhance cooling of the separate components 124 a at the circuitboard 124.

Thus, the circuit board 124 is in thermally conductive connection withthe heat dissipating fins 122 via the thermal interface material 126and/or a wall thickness of the housing 118 at the location where thethermal material 126 is disposed (if the heat dissipating fin is not indirect contact with the thermal interface material at that location).Thus, heat may be released by the electronic components 124 a andexpelled more quickly and easily via a surface spaced away from thecircuit board 124, thereby reducing the heat at the circuit board 124.

The heat dissipating fins 122 may be overmolded with and pass throughthe wall of the housing 118 so that a base or first end or portion ofthe fins is disposed in or under the housing 118 and a second end orportion extends above or away from the outer surface 118 a of thehousing. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins substantially resemblea T-shape where the header of the T-shape lies within or under or isovermolded by the housing material and the leg of the T-shape extendsaway from the housing so as to be exposed for heat dissipation viaairflow. The material of the fins 122 may be selected to be highlythermally conductive, while the material of the housing 118 may beselected for its strength and sealing capabilities, so that theconstruction of the fins 122 extending through the housing wall providesenhanced heat dissipation while not compromising the strength anddurability of the housing 118.

The fins are in thermally conductive contact with the circuit board 124contained within the housing 118. For example, the fins may be in directcontact with the thermal interface material 126 disposed at the circuitboard 124. For optimum heat dissipation, the location of the fins mayalign with locations of the electronic components 124 a at the circuitboard 124 and especially at locations corresponding to electroniccomponents 124 a that generate the most heat. For example, the locationof the heat dissipating fins 122 may align with locations of severalprocessors or ICs disposed at the circuit board such that the heatdissipating fins are located and in contact with the thermal interfacematerial at the processors or ICs generating heat. Optionally, thelayout of electronic components 124 a at the circuit board 124 may beconfigured to match a pattern of the heat dissipating fins 122, orotherwise be configured and spaced apart to maximize heat dissipationfrom the housing 118.

Thus, the ECU, in conjunction with a vehicle vision system or ADAS at avehicle, may perform a variety of functions, include various processors,ICs, and other electronic components, and may communicate with variousoptional systems of the vehicle. The ECU comprises the housing, thecircuit board disposed within the housing, heat dissipating finsdisposed at least at an outer surface of the housing and in thermalconductive connection with the circuit board. The thermal conductivematerial is in connection with both the circuit board and the heatdissipating fins. The airflow source provides airflow in the directionof the heat dissipating fins to aid in the dissipation of heat away fromthe ECU. Thus, the ECU comprises enhanced cooling abilities.

The ECU may receive image data captured by a plurality of cameras of thevehicle, such as by a plurality of surround view system (SVS) camerasand a plurality of camera monitoring system (CMS) cameras and optionallyone or more driver monitoring system (DMS) cameras. The ECU may comprisea central or single ECU that processes image data captured by thecameras for a plurality of driving assist functions and may providedisplay of different video images to a video display screen in thevehicle (such as at an interior rearview mirror assembly or at a centralconsole or the like) for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The systemmay utilize aspects of the systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos.10,442,360 and/or 10,046,706, and/or U.S. Publication Nos.US-2021-0245662; US-2021-0162926; US-2021-0155167 and/orUS-2019-0118717, and/or International PCT Application Ser. No.PCT/US22/70062, filed Jan. 6, 2022 (Attorney Docket DON09 FP4371W0),which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

The camera or sensor may comprise any suitable camera or sensor.Optionally, the camera may comprise a “smart camera” that includes theimaging sensor array and associated circuitry and image processingcircuitry and electrical connectors and the like as part of a cameramodule, such as by utilizing aspects of the vision systems described inInternational Publication Nos. WO 2013/081984 and/or WO 2013/081985,which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The system includes an image processor operable to process image datacaptured by the camera or cameras, such as for detecting objects orother vehicles or pedestrians or the like in the field of view of one ormore of the cameras. For example, the image processor may comprise animage processing chip selected from the EYEQ family of image processingchips available from Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd. of Jerusalem,Israel, and may include object detection software (such as the typesdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,855,755; 7,720,580 and/or 7,038,577, whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties), andmay analyze image data to detect vehicles and/or other objects.Responsive to such image processing, and when an object or other vehicleis detected, the system may generate an alert to the driver of thevehicle and/or may generate an overlay at the displayed image tohighlight or enhance display of the detected object or vehicle, in orderto enhance the driver's awareness of the detected object or vehicle orhazardous condition during a driving maneuver of the equipped vehicle.

The vehicle may include any type of sensor or sensors, such as imagingsensors or radar sensors or lidar sensors or ultrasonic sensors or thelike. The imaging sensor or camera may capture image data for imageprocessing and may comprise any suitable camera or sensing device, suchas, for example, a two dimensional array of a plurality of photosensorelements arranged in at least 640 columns and 480 rows (at least a640×480 imaging array, such as a megapixel imaging array or the like),with a respective lens focusing images onto respective portions of thearray. The photosensor array may comprise a plurality of photosensorelements arranged in a photosensor array having rows and columns.Preferably, the imaging array has at least 300,000 photosensor elementsor pixels, more preferably at least 500,000 photosensor elements orpixels and more preferably at least 1 million photosensor elements orpixels. The imaging array may capture color image data, such as viaspectral filtering at the array, such as via an RGB (red, green andblue) filter or via a red/red complement filter or such as via an RCC(red, clear, clear) filter or the like. The logic and control circuit ofthe imaging sensor may function in any known manner, and the imageprocessing and algorithmic processing may comprise any suitable meansfor processing the images and/or image data.

For example, the vision system and/or processing and/or camera and/orcircuitry may utilize aspects described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,233,641;9,146,898; 9,174,574; 9,090,234; 9,077,098; 8,818,042; 8,886,401;9,077,962; 9,068,390; 9,140,789; 9,092,986; 9,205,776; 8,917,169;8,694,224; 7,005,974; 5,760,962; 5,877,897; 5,796,094; 5,949,331;6,222,447; 6,302,545; 6,396,397; 6,498,620; 6,523,964; 6,611,202;6,201,642; 6,690,268; 6,717,610; 6,757,109; 6,802,617; 6,806,452;6,822,563; 6,891,563; 6,946,978; 7,859,565; 5,550,677; 5,670,935;6,636,258; 7,145,519; 7,161,616; 7,230,640; 7,248,283; 7,295,229;7,301,466; 7,592,928; 7,881,496; 7,720,580; 7,038,577; 6,882,287;5,929,786 and/or 5,786,772, and/or U.S. Publication Nos.US-2014-0340510; US-2014-0313339; US-2014-0347486; US-2014-0320658;US-2014-0336876; US-2014-0307095; US-2014-0327774; US-2014-0327772;US-2014-0320636; US-2014-0293057; US-2014-0309884; US-2014-0226012;US-2014-0293042; US-2014-0218535; US-2014-0218535; US-2014-0247354;US-2014-0247355; US-2014-0247352; US-2014-0232869; US-2014-0211009;US-2014-0160276; US-2014-0168437; US-2014-0168415; US-2014-0160291;US-2014-0152825; US-2014-0139676; US-2014-0138140; US-2014-0104426;US-2014-0098229; US-2014-0085472; US-2014-0067206; US-2014-0049646;US-2014-0052340; US-2014-0025240; US-2014-0028852; US-2014-005907;US-2013-0314503; US-2013-0298866; US-2013-0222593; US-2013-0300869;US-2013-0278769; US-2013-0258077; US-2013-0258077; US-2013-0242099;US-2013-0215271; US-2013-0141578 and/or US-2013-0002873, which are allhereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Optionally, the camera may comprise a forward viewing camera, such asdisposed at a windshield electronics module (WEM) or the like. Theforward viewing camera may utilize aspects of the systems described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 9,896,039; 9,871,971; 9,596,387; 9,487,159; 8,256,821;7,480,149; 6,824,281 and/or 6,690,268, and/or U.S. Publication Nos.US-2015-0327398; US-2015-0015713; US-2014-0160284; US-2014-0226012and/or US-2009-0295181, which are all hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

The ECU and/or camera module and circuit chip or board and imagingsensor may be implemented and operated in connection with variousvehicular vision-based systems, and/or may be operable utilizing theprinciples of such other vehicular systems, such as a vehicle headlampcontrol system, such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,796,094;6,097,023; 6,320,176; 6,559,435; 6,831,261; 7,004,606; 7,339,149 and/or7,526,103, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties, a rain sensor, such as the types disclosed in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,353,392; 6,313,454; 6,320,176 and/or7,480,149, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties, a vehicle vision system, such as a forward, sideward orrearward directed vehicle vision system utilizing principles disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,677; 5,670,935; 5,760,962; 5,877,897; 5,949,331;6,222,447; 6,302,545; 6,396,397; 6,498,620; 6,523,964; 6,611,202;6,201,642; 6,690,268; 6,717,610; 6,757,109; 6,802,617; 6,806,452;6,822,563; 6,891,563; 6,946,978 and/or 7,859,565, which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties, a trailer hitchingaid or tow check system, such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,005,974, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, a reverse or sideward imaging system, such as for a lanechange assistance system or lane departure warning system or for a blindspot or object detection system, such as imaging or detection systems ofthe types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,881,496; 7,720,580; 7,038,577;5,929,786 and/or 5,786,772, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties, a video device for internal cabinsurveillance and/or video telephone function, such as disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,760,962; 5,877,897; 6,690,268; 7,370,983; 7,937,667 and/or9,800,983, and/or U.S. Publication No. US-2006-0050018, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties, a traffic signrecognition system, a system for determining a distance to a leading ortrailing vehicle or object, such as a system utilizing the principlesdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,396,397 and/or 7,123,168, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties, and/or the like.

The system may utilize sensors, such as radar or lidar sensors or thelike, to detect presence of and/or range to other vehicles and objectsat the intersection. The sensing system may utilize aspects of thesystems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,753,121; 9,689,967; 9,599,702;9,575,160; 9,146,898; 9,036,026; 8,027,029; 8,013,780; 7,053,357;7,408,627; 7,405,812; 7,379,163; 7,379,100; 7,375,803; 7,352,454;7,340,077; 7,321,111; 7,310,431; 7,283,213; 7,212,663; 7,203,356;7,176,438; 7,157,685; 6,919,549; 6,906,793; 6,876,775; 6,710,770;6,690,354; 6,678,039; 6,674,895 and/or 6,587,186, and/or U.S.Publication Nos. US-2019 -0339382; US-2018-0231635; US-2018-0045812;US-2018-0015875; US-2017-0356994; US-2017-0315231; US-2017-0276788;US-2017-0254873; US-2017-0222311 and/or US-2010-0245066, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The radarsensors of the sensing system each comprise a plurality of transmittersthat transmit radio signals via a plurality of antennas, a plurality ofreceivers that receive radio signals via the plurality of antennas, withthe received radio signals being transmitted radio signals that arereflected from an object present in the field of sensing of therespective radar sensor.

Optionally, the vision system may include a display for displayingimages captured by one or more of the imaging sensors for viewing by thedriver of the vehicle while the driver is normally operating thevehicle. Optionally, for example, the vision system may include a videodisplay device, such as by utilizing aspects of the video displaysystems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,240; 6,329,925; 7,855,755;7,626,749; 7,581,859; 7,446,650; 7,338,177; 7,274,501; 7,255,451;7,195,381; 7,184,190; 5,668,663; 5,724,187; 6,690,268; 7,370,983;7,329,013; 7,308,341; 7,289,037; 7,249,860; 7,004,593; 4,546,551;5,699,044; 4,953,305; 5,576,687; 5,632,092; 5,708,410; 5,737,226;5,802,727; 5,878,370; 6,087,953; 6,173,501; 6,222,460; 6,513,252 and/or6,642,851, and/or U.S. Publication Nos. US-2014-0022390;US-2012-0162427; US-2006-0050018 and/or US-2006-0061008, which are allhereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Optionally, the vision system (utilizing the forward viewing camera anda rearward viewing camera and other cameras disposed at the vehicle withexterior fields of view) may be part of or may provide a display of atop-down view or bird's-eye view system of the vehicle or a surroundview at the vehicle, such as by utilizing aspects of the vision systemsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,071,687; 9,900,522; 9,834,153; 9,762,880;9,596,387; 9,264,672; 9,126,525 and/or 9,041,806, and/or U.S.Publication No. US-2015-0022664, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments canbe carried out without departing from the principles of the invention,which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent lawincluding the doctrine of equivalents.

1. A vehicular vision system, the vehicular vision system comprising: acamera module configured for mounting at an in-cabin side of awindshield of a vehicle equipped with the vehicular vision system;wherein the camera module comprises an imager assembly and a processorcircuit board having circuitry disposed thereat, and wherein thecircuitry includes an image processor; wherein the imager assemblycomprises an imager circuit board, and wherein an imager is disposed atthe imager circuit board, and wherein the circuitry disposed at theprocessor circuit board is electrically connected to the imager disposedat the imager circuit board; wherein the imager assembly, with thecamera module mounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield of thevehicle, views through the windshield and forward of the vehicle, andwherein the imager assembly captures image data, and wherein the imageprocessor processes image data captured by the imager assembly; whereinthe camera module comprises a windshield-interfacing portion that, withthe camera module mounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield,interfaces with the in-cabin side of the windshield; a thermallyconductive tape disposed at the windshield-interfacing portion of thecamera module; a thermally conductive connecting element that thermallyconductively connects to (i) the thermally conductive tape disposed atthe windshield-interfacing portion and (ii) at least one electricallyoperated component of the camera module that generates heat whenelectrically operated; and wherein, when the at least one electricallyoperated component is electrically operated, heat generated by the atleast one electrically operated component of the camera module isdissipated at the windshield of the vehicle via the thermally conductiveconnecting element and the thermally conductive tape.
 2. The vehicularvision system of claim 1, wherein the camera module comprises a lightshield disposed at the windshield and forward of the imager assembly,and wherein the windshield-interfacing portion of the camera modulecomprises a peripheral lip of the light shield.
 3. The vehicular visionsystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrically operatedcomponent is in thermal conductive connection with the thermallyconductive connecting element via a thermal element at an inner side ofa camera housing of the camera module.
 4. The vehicular vision system ofclaim 1, wherein the thermally conductive connecting element connects toan outer side of the camera module at a location that is opposite fromthe location of the at least one electrically operated component at aninner side of the camera module.
 5. The vehicular vision system of claim1, wherein the thermally conductive connecting element passes through acamera housing of the camera module to directly thermally conductivelyconnect to the at least one electrically operated component.
 6. Thevehicular vision system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneelectrically operated component comprises the image processor.
 7. Thevehicular vision system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneelectrically operated component is disposed at the processor circuitboard.
 8. The vehicular vision system of claim 1, wherein the thermallyconductive connecting element thermally conductively connects to aplurality of electrically operated components of the camera module thatgenerate heat when electrically operated.
 9. The vehicular vision systemof claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive tape and the thermallyconductive connecting element comprise graphite strips.
 10. Thevehicular vision system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneelectrically operated component of the camera module comprises aplurality of electrically operated components that generate heat whenelectrically operated, and wherein the thermally conductive connectingelement comprises a ribbon that thermally conductively connects to (i)the thermally conductive tape disposed at the windshield-interfacingportion and (ii) each component of the plurality of electricallyoperated components.
 11. The vehicular vision system of claim 1, whereinthe at least one electrically operated component of the camera modulecomprises a plurality of electrically operated components that generateheat when electrically operated, and wherein the thermally conductiveconnecting element comprises a plurality of ribbons, each ribbon of theplurality of ribbons thermally conductively connecting to (i) thethermally conductive tape disposed at the windshield-interfacing portionand (ii) a respective component of the plurality of electricallyoperated components.
 12. The vehicular vision system of claim 1, whereinthe thermally conductive tape is adhesively attached at thewindshield-interfacing portion.
 13. The vehicular vision system of claim12, wherein the thermally conductive tape adhesively attaches at thein-cabin side of the windshield when the camera module is mounted at thein-cabin side of the windshield.
 14. The vehicular vision system ofclaim 1, wherein the thermally conductive tape extends along a portionof the in-cabin side of the windshield, and wherein the thermallyconductive tape adhesively attaches along the portion of the in-cabinside of the windshield.
 15. The vehicular vision system of claim 14,wherein the portion of the in-cabin side of the windshield comprises anupper perimeter edge region of the windshield.
 16. The vehicular visionsystem of claim 1, comprising an airflow source configured to provideairflow at a portion of the camera module, wherein the airflow source isoperable to direct airflow along the portion of the camera module toimprove heat dissipation from the camera module.
 17. The vehicularvision system of claim 16, wherein the airflow source comprises a ventat an interior portion of the vehicle, the vent including flow directingelements that direct airflow through the vent and toward the cameramodule, and wherein the vehicular vision system controls a heating,ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle todischarge air through the vent, the vent directing airflow toward thecamera module.
 18. The vehicular vision system of claim 17, comprising atemperature sensor for sensing a temperature at the camera module andgenerating an output indicative of the sensed temperature, wherein thevehicular vision system controls the HVAC system to discharge airthrough the vent responsive to the output of the temperature sensorbeing indicative of the camera module operating outside of a setoperating temperature range.
 19. A vehicular vision system, thevehicular vision system comprising: a camera module configured formounting at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle equipped withthe vehicular vision system; wherein the camera module comprises animager assembly and a processor circuit board having circuitry disposedthereat, and wherein the circuitry includes an image processor; whereinthe imager assembly comprises an imager circuit board, and wherein animager is disposed at the imager circuit board, and wherein thecircuitry disposed at the processor circuit board is electricallyconnected to the imager disposed at the imager circuit board; whereinthe imager assembly, with the camera module mounted at the in-cabin sideof the windshield of the vehicle, views through the windshield andforward of the vehicle, and wherein the imager assembly captures imagedata, and wherein the image processor processes image data captured bythe imager assembly; wherein the camera module comprises awindshield-interfacing portion that, with the camera module mounted atthe in-cabin side of the windshield, interfaces with the in-cabin sideof the windshield; a thermally conductive tape disposed at thewindshield-interfacing portion of the camera module, wherein thethermally conductive tape is adhesively attached at thewindshield-interfacing portion; wherein the thermally conductive tapeadhesively attaches at the in-cabin side of the windshield when thecamera module is mounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield; athermally conductive connecting element that thermally conductivelyconnects to (i) the thermally conductive tape disposed at thewindshield-interfacing portion and (ii) at least one electricallyoperated component of the camera module that generates heat whenelectrically operated; wherein the thermally conductive tape and thethermally conductive connecting element comprise graphite strips; andwherein, when the at least one electrically operated component iselectrically operated, heat generated by the at least one electricallyoperated component of the camera module is dissipated at the windshieldof the vehicle via the thermally conductive connecting element and thethermally conductive tape.
 20. The vehicular vision system of claim 19,wherein the camera module comprises a light shield disposed at thewindshield and forward of the imager assembly, and wherein thewindshield-interfacing portion of the camera module comprises aperipheral lip of the light shield.
 21. The vehicular vision system ofclaim 19, wherein the at least one electrically operated component is inthermal conductive connection with the thermally conductive connectingelement via a thermal element at an inner side of a camera housing ofthe camera module.
 22. The vehicular vision system of claim 19, whereinthe thermally conductive connecting element connects to an outer side ofthe camera module at a location that is opposite from the location ofthe at least one electrically operated component at an inner side of thecamera module.
 23. The vehicular vision system of claim 19, wherein thethermally conductive connecting element passes through a camera housingof the camera module to directly thermally conductively connect to theat least one electrically operated component.
 24. A vehicular visionsystem, the vehicular vision system comprising: a camera moduleconfigured for mounting at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicleequipped with the vehicular vision system; wherein the camera modulecomprises an imager assembly and a processor circuit board havingcircuitry disposed thereat, and wherein the circuitry includes an imageprocessor; wherein the imager assembly comprises an imager circuitboard, and wherein an imager is disposed at the imager circuit board,and wherein the circuitry disposed at the processor circuit board iselectrically connected to the imager disposed at the imager circuitboard; wherein the imager assembly, with the camera module mounted atthe in-cabin side of the windshield of the vehicle, views through thewindshield and forward of the vehicle, and wherein the imager assemblycaptures image data, and wherein the image processor processes imagedata captured by the imager assembly; wherein the camera modulecomprises a windshield-interfacing portion that, with the camera modulemounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield, interfaces with thein-cabin side of the windshield; a thermally conductive tape disposed atthe windshield-interfacing portion of the camera module; a thermallyconductive connecting element that thermally conductively connects to(i) the thermally conductive tape disposed at the windshield-interfacingportion and (ii) at least one electrically operated component of thecamera module that generates heat when electrically operated; whereinthe thermally conductive connecting element passes through a camerahousing of the camera module to directly thermally conductively connectto the at least one electrically operated component; wherein the atleast one electrically operated component comprises the image processor;and wherein, when the at least one electrically operated component iselectrically operated, heat generated by the at least one electricallyoperated component of the camera module is dissipated at the windshieldof the vehicle via the thermally conductive connecting element and thethermally conductive tape.
 25. The vehicular vision system of claim 24,wherein the camera module comprises a light shield disposed at thewindshield and forward of the imager assembly, and wherein thewindshield-interfacing portion of the camera module comprises aperipheral lip of the light shield.
 26. The vehicular vision system ofclaim 24, wherein the thermally conductive tape and the thermallyconductive connecting element comprise graphite strips.